Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Recommended Dish Charro Beans at Las Delicias
Posted by Chris Davis on Wed, Dec 23, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Las Delicias takes a unique approach to Tex-Mex standards. The restaurant's incredibly moist tamales are unlike any in town. The pastor-based pork dishes are all excellent, and the mole-smothered enchiladas poblonas have become one of my favorite meals in Memphis. But it's Las Delicias' charro beans that keep me coming back for more.
Charro beans, a spicy soup named for Mexican cowboys, is perhaps the most basic chili dish you can make. It's made by tossing pinto beans with bacon, chorizo, chopped chili peppers, and garlic, and then simmering it all in water, stock, or beer. Done well this humble bowl of beans can rival any main course.
What's incredible about Las Delicias' charro beans is that it looks even more humble than most variations on the dish. In fact, it looks like a big bowl of pintos and chorizo in broth. But don't let the simplicity fool you, the rich bacon and bean flavor is irresistible, and each bite finishes with a wave of smoky, jalapeño-induced heat. It's a very nearly perfect dish, especially when things turn cold, wet, and windy.
Las Delicias, 3727 S. Mendendhall (542-0170); 4002 Park (458-9264)Related Stories
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Comments (5)
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I couldn't agree more! Our book club had our holiday get-together at Las Delicias. I ordered the charro beans and was blown away by the taste of the dish (and this was before my second margarita).
They are certainly keeping up the good work at the new location by Audobon Park.
On your recommendation, I went for lunch yesterday and tried the charro beans. I found them ok, but nothing to blog about. Maybe they're making them differently, because I didn't get any jalapeno flavor at all, but it was topped with cilantro, which pretty much overpowered all the other flavors.
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